Drew Carey’s Emotional Plea Sparks Debate Over Difficult Game on The Price Is Right

For decades, The Price Is Right has been a beloved staple of daytime television, captivating audiences with its energetic contestants, vibrant sets, and thrilling games. First brought to life by the legendary Bob Barker, the show found new momentum when Drew Carey took over as host in 2007. While Carey has added his own charm and humor to the show, one thing remains unchanged—viewers love watching contestants win.

But not every game on the show inspires excitement. One game in particular, That’s Too Much, has recently stirred controversy among fans and even drew an emotional response from Carey himself. Known for its strict rules and high-stakes tension, That’s Too Much is often cited as one of the hardest games on the show—and many viewers believe it may be time for a change.

The objective of That’s Too Much sounds simple: contestants must identify the price that goes just over the actual retail value of a major prize, usually a new car. However, they must also say the exact phrase “That’s too much” at the correct moment in order to win. If they use any alternative wording—even something close—they risk disqualification, regardless of whether their price choice was correct.

This rule has led to numerous disappointing moments. In a recent episode, a contestant named Ismail faced this challenge and failed to secure a win after first saying the wrong phrase and then quickly correcting himself. His stumble was enough to cost him a brand-new SUV.

The moment struck a chord with Drew Carey, who didn’t hesitate to voice his frustration. “We really should change the game’s name to something like ‘Stay right there’ or ‘No more,’” Carey said, reflecting a sincere concern that the current rules make the game unnecessarily difficult and unintuitive. He noted that contestants rarely say “That’s too much” instinctively, often opting for more natural phrases in the heat of the moment.

Carey’s comment wasn’t just a light-hearted joke—it sparked a larger discussion among viewers and fans of the show. Social media platforms quickly lit up with opinions, many agreeing with the host’s assessment. “It’s hard enough trying to figure out the price,” one fan tweeted. “Why make people jump through hoops with exact words?”

Price Is Right' Contestants Are Drunk Or High On TV, Drew Carey Says

Others echoed similar sentiments, calling for the game to be renamed or retired altogether. Suggestions included allowing more flexible phrasing, simplifying the rules, or choosing a new title that better reflects the actual strategy required. For these critics, the game’s complexity overshadows the fun and often leaves contestants empty-handed.

Yet not everyone is on board with changing the format. Some longtime fans argue that part of The Price Is Right‘s charm lies in its specific rules and challenges. “If you’re going on The Price Is Right, you should know the games and how they work,” one viewer commented on Facebook. To them, the difficulty of games like That’s Too Much adds a layer of strategy and makes the wins even more satisfying.

Still, the debate raises important questions for the show’s producers. How much complexity is too much? Should tradition be preserved at the expense of fairness? And where does the balance lie between challenging contestants and creating moments of joy?

Tragic Details About The Price Is Right's Drew Carey

Games like Plinko and Cliffhangers have stood the test of time because they strike that balance—engaging, clear, and fun to watch. That’s Too Much, in contrast, seems to frustrate more than it excites. Its rigid rule about the required phrase has caused many to question its place in the current lineup of games.

Historically, The Price Is Right has been slow to make sweeping changes. Games are usually tweaked gradually, if at all. But with growing criticism from fans and an emotional push from Carey himself, the momentum for change may finally be building.

For now, viewers continue to tune in, debate the game’s fairness, and root for contestants to beat the odds. Whether producers will ultimately respond to Drew Carey’s plea remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The Price Is Right continues to evolve, and fans will be watching closely to see if That’s Too Much becomes just a little less… too much.